Renowned NBA journalist Shams Charania has reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have begun planning for the post-LeBron James era and are targeting Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo as potential successors to James.

While James' on-court performance remains impressive, and in some aspects even better than his peak years, most observers acknowledge that his career is nearing its end. The Lakers extended James' contract by two years for $104 million, and James himself has indicated that he will not participate in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, suggesting that his retirement could be within the next couple of years. The Lakers are already preparing for life after James, marking a significant shift for the franchise and the league.

"James acknowledges that his time with the Lakers won't last much longer," Charania reported. "He is expected to decline his $52.63 million player option for the 2025-26 season, meaning next season could be his last with the Lakers." James fulfilled his dream of playing alongside his son, Bronny, but winning another championship with the current Lakers roster seems unlikely.

The Lakers are planning to rebuild around a core of young players and add a superstar to create a championship contender following James' departure. Multiple reporters, including Charania, Jovan Buha, and Sam Amick, have confirmed that the Lakers are eyeing Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks as their primary targets. This explains the Lakers' inactivity during the offseason, as Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, and the advisory board are patiently waiting for a true superstar to become available.

"Several executives have confirmed that the Lakers are preparing for the future involving either Doncic or Antetokounmpo," Charania continued. "While getting Doncic sounds distant, with the Mavericks having reached the Finals last season and improving their roster, the Lakers don't currently have the necessary assets for a trade. However, there is a subtle detail: Doncic can opt out of his $48.97 million contract in 2026-27, which aligns with the end of James' contract. If Doncic doesn't sign an extension with the Mavericks, the Lakers could have a real opportunity to trade for him."

The situation with Antetokounmpo is slightly more complicated, as he signed a three-year, 186millionextensionwiththeBucks,withaplayeroptionworth186millionextensionwiththeBucks,withaplayeroptionworth66.83 million in 2027-28. Nonetheless, the Lakers could still pursue a trade for Antetokounmpo, as the Bucks face tough competition in the Eastern Conference, including from the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, and Orlando Magic. If the Bucks fail to advance in the playoffs, Antetokounmpo requesting a trade wouldn't be surprising.

"Thirty years ago, no one would have predicted Shaquille O'Neal, fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, would join the Lakers," Charania added. "As James' era winds down, the Lakers' focus for the next year will be positioning themselves to land either Doncic or Antetokounmpo."

Los Angeles offers the allure to attract superstars, and with Anthony Davis as a premier big man, the Lakers plan to develop their young players next season. Once James retires, the Lakers aim to quickly rebuild and return to championship contention.